Ibrahimovic scoops Italian gong
MILAN - Former Inter Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic was named Italian players' association player of the year on Monday despite now being with Barcelona.
The awards, known as the Italian football 'Oscars', were voted on by Italy-based players during the close-season and reflect performances during the 2008/09 campaign.
This allowed Sweden's Ibrahimovic, Serie A top scorer last term with 25 goals, to win the best player and best foreign player awards having joined Barcelona in July.
"I miss Italy. I learnt so much in five years and won lots. But now I am enjoying Spain and I love it at Barcelona," Ibrahimovic was quoted as saying by ANSA news agency while in Milan to pick up his award at a ceremony.
His former coach Jose Mourinho, who has often clashed with rival managers and journalists but is respected by players throughout the game, won the best coach award after leading Inter to last season's Serie A title in his first campaign in charge.
Inter were also elected team of the year.
The best Italian player award went to AS Roma and Italy's tough-tackling midfielder Daniele De Rossi while Inter's Julio Cesar was voted Serie A's top goalkeeper.
Best young player was AC Milan's Brazilian Alexandre Pato and the defender award went to Juventus centre back Giorgio Chiellini.
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